State police 'Speed Week' targeting aggressive drivers through April 24 in St. Lawrence County

Friday, April 18, 2014 - 6:06 am

New York State Police are warning residents that they will conduct a week-long speeding and aggressive drivers initiative across the state, including St. Lawrence County.

The “Speed Week” campaignstarted April 17 and run through April 24.

Fines for speeding and aggressive driving can reach nearly $1,000 and add up to 11 points on a driver’s license. During last years campaign from Aug. 10-17, troopers issued more than 9,600 tickets.

“Too often families are forced to endure needless heartache as a result of reckless driving,” said Governor Cuomo.

According to the state police press release, the goal of this campaign, and enforcement year round, is to reduce speed related crashes and improve safe travel for drivers and passengers on New York’s roads. Speeding by all vehicle types, as well as other traffic violations, will be heavily enforced throughout the week in addition to normal year-round enforcement.

In an effort to continue making New York’s roads safer, this year’s state budget includes legislation to intensify the efforts to curtail the prevalence of texting while driving by young drivers. Young and new drivers convicted of texting-while-driving will have their license suspended for 120 days on the first offense, and revoked for at least one year for the second offense.

“During “Speed Week,” the state police will be out in force across New York cracking down on drivers who break the law, putting themselves and others at risk. This week and every week, I urge drivers to slow down and adhere to the vital and lifesaving rules of the road,” Cuomo said.

Speed remains one of the leading causes of fatalities on our roadways, averaging approximately one third of all fatal crashes from year to year. Troopers will also be watching for vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, drivers that are violating the “Move Over Law,” and distracted or impaired drivers.

Drivers can expect to see more troopers on major highways during this detail. Unmarked patrol vehicles will also be out in force.

Aggressive driving behaviors State Troopers will be targeting include:

· Excessive speed

· Frequent or unsafe lane changes

· Failure to signal

· Tailgating

· Failure to yield the right of way

· Disregarding traffic controls

· Impaired driving

· Cell phone/electronic device use

Tips when encountering an aggressive driver:

· Remain calm

· Keep your distance

· Do not pass unless you have to

· Change lanes once it is safe; don't jump lanes without looking

State police point out that there is a difference between aggressive driving and so called "road rage." Road rage, such as using the vehicle as a weapon or physically assaulting a driver or their vehicle, is not aggressive driving. These are criminal offenses and there are laws in place to deal with these violent crimes.